Action Games are titles that follow the gameplay from the perspective of the character that the player is controlling. These games feature heavy weapons use and/or involve characters engaged in combat while moving through a linear or open environment. The opponent can either be controlled by another player or by the game.

Adventure games are those titles in which players are challenged with real-time action activities where timing, skill and accuracy are necessary to succeed. Puzzle-solving, resource management and exploration often drive the quest oriented narrative rather than primarily combat mechanics.

The Family Game of the Year shall be awarded to the best title of any genre geared towards a shared, family gaming experience. The title’s play dynamics must be suitable for a younger audience but can appeal to adults as well. These games often offer a mini-game component and encourage group play.

Fighting games are those titles that offer the user the virtual experience of controlling a character engaging in individual combat with another character usually from a fixed camera perspective. The opponent can either be controlled by another player or by the game.

The Handheld Game of the Year shall be the game developed specifically for a handheld gaming platform that demonstrates the greatest achievement in overall game design, play and/or breakthrough in handheld gaming. All game genres are included. Handheld platforms include, but are not limited to: Nintendo DS, Nintendo 3DS, Sony PlayStation Portable, and Sony PS Vita.

The Mobile Game of the Year shall be the game developed for a mobile device platform such as a mobile phone, tablet or convergence device. These games demonstrate a skilled usage of the devices software and hardware features to offer a unique and addictive play experience. All game genres are eligible.

Online Game of the Year celebrates titles of any genre with a significant portion of the gameplay experience transpiring online -- collaboratively or competitively. These titles frequently offer excellent matchmaking systems, innovative gameplay options, persistent content releases that further evolve gameplay, user customization and fluidity of gameplay. Regardless of initial release date, any title can be submitted as long as that title is supported by substantial new content released during the award calendar year.

This award will be presented to the individual or team whose work represents the highest level of achievement in bringing a character or characters to life in an interactive title. This award will consider the fluidity of movement, and interaction with the environment in addition to contextual realism (look and feel).

Presented to the individual or team whose work represents the highest level of achievement in original musical composition for an interactive title. Both the quality of the score and the integration of the score into the title will be considered when determining the recipient of this Award.

Presented to the individual or team whose work has furthered the interactive experience through the creation of a game world -- whether an original creation, one adapted from previously existing material or an extension of an existing property which best exemplifies the coalescence of setting, characters and plot.

Presented to the individual or team whose work has furthered the interactive experience through the creation of a memorable character within an interactive title. Outstanding character takes into consideration the marriage of voice acting and performance (motion capture work), character design and execution, and writing.

The game that, through innovation of design and execution, is most likely to define a new category of games, or represents a creative or technological breakthrough in an existing console category or genre.

Racing games are those titles that allow the user to participate in a contest in which the objective is to convey an object through a course of virtual physical progress as quickly as possible. Racing games may involve competition against other user-controlled competitors or against system controlled competitors. Racing games must simulate vehicular motion.

Sports games offer the user the opportunity to virtually reproduce a sporting experience: either a realistic portrayal of an actual sport or games that reproduce for the user the experience of participating in an existing competitive sport.

Strategy games are defined to be those titles in which the user directs or manipulates resources to create a set of conditions that result in success as determined within the confines of the game. These games can offer the user the chance to simulate or to virtually reproduce an experience, real or imaginary, which would require some form of equipment. Strategy games emphasize the planning of tactics rather than the execution.

Casual games are those titles that are designed to appeal to novice or experienced players; are produced with low-cost budget targets; are available through online or retail distribution; and may be played on console, computer or mobile platforms.

The individual or small group of individuals who are responsible for directing and driving an interactive game and its team through a combination of skills that include vision, management execution, aesthetics, and game craft. This award recognizes the role of the Creative Director, Design Director, or Lead Designer in guiding all elements of a title and shaping the final outcome of a game.

This award honors a title, single-player or multi-player, where an individual assumes the role of one or more characters and develops those characters in terms of abilities, statistics, and/or traits as the game progresses. Gameplay involves exploring, acquiring resources, solving puzzles, and interacting with player or non-player characters in a persistent world. Through the player’s actions, his/her virtual characters’ statistics or traits demonstrably evolve throughout the game.